Exact Task Text
| Sport PTS Task Text | Private ACS Task Text |
|---|---|
REFERENCE: FAA-H-8083-3. Objective.To determine that the applicant: 1.Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to a rectangular course. 2.Selects a suitable reference area and emergency landing area. 3.Plans the maneuver so as to not descend below a minimum altitude of 600 feet above the ground at an appropriate distance from the selected reference area, 45° to the downwind leg. 4.Applies adequate wind-drift correction during straight-and-turning flight to maintain a constant ground track around the rectangular reference area. 5.Divides attention between airplane control and the ground track while maintaining coordinated flight. 6.Maintains altitude, ±100 feet; maintains airspeed, ±10 knots. REFERENCE: FAA-H-8083-3. Objective.To determine that the applicant: 1.Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to S-turns. 2.Selects a suitable ground reference line and emergency landing area. 3.Plans the maneuver so as to not descend below a minimum altitude of 600 feet above the ground perpendicular to the selected reference line. 4.Applies adequate wind-drift correction to track a constant radius turn on each side of the selected reference line. 5.Reverses the direction of turn directly over the selected reference line. 6.Divides attention between airplane control, orientation and the ground track while maintaining coordinated flight. 7.Maintains altitude, ±100 feet; maintains airspeed, ±10 knots. REFERENCE: FAA-H-8083-3. Objective.To determine that the applicant: 1.Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to turns around a point. 2.Selects an appropriate reference point based on wind direction and emergency landing areas. 3.Plans the maneuver so as not to descend below a minimum altitude of 600 feet above ground level at an appropriate distance from the reference point. 4.Applies adequate wind-drift correction to track a constant radius turn around the selected reference point. 5.Divides attention between airplane control and the ground track while maintaining coordinated flight. 6.Exits at the point of entry heading ±15°. 7.Maintains altitude, ±100 feet; maintains airspeed, ±10 knots. | References:14 CFR part 61; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25 Objective:To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with ground reference maneuvering which may include a rectangular course, S-turns, and turns around a point. Note:The evaluator selects at least one ground reference maneuver for the applicant to demonstrate. Knowledge:The applicant demonstrates understanding of: PA.V.B.K1 Purpose of ground reference maneuvers. PA.V.B.K2 Effects of wind on ground track and relation to a ground reference. PA.V.B.K3 Effects of bank angle and groundspeed on rate and radius of turn. PA.V.B.K4 Relationship of rectangular course to airport traffic pattern. Risk Management:The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with: PA.V.B.R1 Division of attention between aircraft control and orientation. PA.V.B.R2 Collision hazards. PA.V.B.R3 Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). PA.V.B.R4 Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation. PA.V.B.R5 Uncoordinated flight. Skills:The applicant exhibits the skill to: PA.V.B.S1 Clear the area. PA.V.B.S2 Select a suitable ground reference area, line, or point as appropriate. PA.V.B.S3 Plan the maneuver: PA.V.B.S3a a.Rectangular course: enter a left or right pattern, 600 to 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL) at an appropriate distance from the selected reference area, 45° to the downwind leg PA.V.B.S3b b.S-turns: enter perpendicular to the selected reference line, 600 to 1,000 feet AGL at an appropriate distance from the selected reference area PA.V.B.S3c c.Turns around a point: enter at an appropriate distance from the reference point, 600 to 1,000 feet AGL at an appropriate distance from the selected reference area PA.V.B.S4 Apply adequate wind-drift correction during straight and turning flight to maintain a constant ground track around a rectangular reference area, or to maintain a constant radius turn on each side of a selected reference line or point. PA.V.B.S5 If performing S-Turns, reverse the turn directly over the selected reference line; if performing turns around a point, complete turns in either direction, as specified by the evaluator. PA.V.B.S6 Divide attention between airplane control, traffic avoidance and the ground track while maintaining coordinated flight. PA.V.B.S7 Maintain altitude ±100 feet; maintain airspeed ±10 knots. |
Compiled by Todd Fjield on 8/11/2026.
Comparison
| Common Standards | Private ACS Additions / Differences | Performance Standards Comparison | Private ACS Study Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
Both cover rectangular course, S-turns, and turns around a point; require wind-drift correction, coordinated flight, and maintaining altitude ±100 ft and airspeed ±10 kt. | Private ACS combines the three separate Sport PTS tasks into one task and specifies a 600–1,000 ft AGL entry range. Sport PTS requires selecting an emergency landing area for each ground-reference maneuver and, for turns around a point, exiting on the entry heading ±15°; those two requirements are not stated as separate Private ACS skill standards. Private ACS adds explicit traffic-avoidance and low-altitude stall/spin/CFIT risk management. | Same core tolerance — altitude ±100 ft; airspeed ±10 kt. Sport additionally specifies ±15° exit heading for turns around a point. | All three ground-reference maneuvers; ACS 600–1,000 ft AGL entry range; wind/groundspeed effects on bank and turn radius; traffic avoidance and low-altitude risk management. |
FAR References
Common references span both columns| Sport PTS FAR References | Private ACS FAR References |
|---|---|